Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, Cabinet Ministers Perform Yamuna Aarti

Delhi's newly inaugurated Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, along with her cabinet and Delhi BJP leader Virendra Sachdeva, recently participated in a Yamuna Aarti at Vasudev Ghat, marking the beginning of her tenure. Following the ceremony, a cabinet meeting was scheduled to outline the distribution of ministerial roles within her government. This ritual underscores the administration's commitment to rejuvenating the Yamuna River, a promise that was a cornerstone of their campaign.

"Today, during the aarti of Maa Yamuna, we remembered our resolution to clean the river. We will use the needed resources, and it will be our priority..." emphasized Delhi CM Rekha Gupta after the spiritual event. This statement reaffirms the government's dedication to addressing the pollution issues plaguing the Yamuna. Their proposed strategies for river revitalization were detailed in the BJP's "Viksit Bharat Sankalp Patra", pledging the establishment of a "Yamuna Kosh" aimed at funding the river's clean-up and riverfront development initiatives.

Efforts to restore the Yamuna's health began in earnest, with actions initiated four days before Gupta's oath-taking ceremony. The Lieutenant Governor's office has outlined a comprehensive strategy focusing on removing pollutants and enhancing the river's sewage and effluent treatment capabilities. This involves clearing the river and its adjoining drains of trash and silt, notably from the Najafgarh drain, a major pollution contributor. Additionally, plans to increase sewage treatment to 1,000 million gallons daily and boost effluent treatment plant capacity to 220 million liters per day have been set in motion.

Moreover, the Lieutenant Governor has ensured ongoing supervision of both industrial entities and sewage and wastewater treatment facilities to maintain the river's cleanliness. Such proactive measures, including the use of skimmers, weed harvesters, and a dredger for debris and silt extraction, signify the government's earnest efforts towards fulfilling its environmental commitments.

The BJP's recent electoral triumph in Delhi, securing 48 of the 70 assembly seats, was significantly influenced by public dissatisfaction with the previous administration's handling of civic issues. These included the deteriorating condition of the Yamuna River, escalating air pollution levels, and the Aam Aadmi Party's ineffectiveness in urban clean-up despite controlling the civic body. The victory marks the party's return to power in the capital after a 28-year hiatus, fueled by allegations of corruption against Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party and widespread concern over environmental and cleanliness issues.